Before Mr Trump’s visit to the UK the Police Federation said it would put “unquestionable pressure” on UK police forces.

Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Pippa Mills apologised for the conditions that extra officers were expected to sleep in after pictures posted on social media showed rows of camp beds in a gymnasium. Alternative accommodation was found.

296 West Yorks officers are being drafted away from our streets to police the Trump visit this weekend. We have known for 3 months yet this is the accommodation which awaits them in Essex. I asked Minister this morning to agree that police should not sleep on the floor for Trump. pic.twitter.com/rpLbsqRxUP

In her blog post, Chief Constable Thornton said financial issues dominated a meeting of the Chief Constables’ Council this week.

A recent Treasury announcement flagging up a likely increase to employee pension contributions meant forces in England and Wales might need to find an extra £417m by 2020/21, she said.

“This is equivalent to nearly 10,000 officers and grave concern was expressed about further reducing the sustainability of local police forces,” she said.

“There was general concern about the strain that forces are currently under and the impact on core policing such as answering emergency calls, investigating crime and neighbourhood policing.”

The pensions matter had been raised with the government, while force chiefs were working with police and crime commissioners to build a case for increased resources in the next spending review, she added.

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